In a new study, a blood test that recently received federal clearance helped predict cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer's disease up to a decade before symptoms appeared.
A simple blood test may accurately predict a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's symptoms up to a decade before they begin.
The test looks for an Alzheimer's biomarker called p-tau217.
Researchers pooled data from more than 2,600 cognitively healthy older adults who underwent the blood test, brain scans and annual cognitive assessments.
The results: People with very high levels of p-tau217 had an estimated 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment within five years.
That estimated risk increased to 78% over 10 years.
While the blood test recently received federal clearance, the senior author says it's too soon to recommend it for people without symptoms.
“We do not yet have disease-modifying treatments for people who find out they are at high risk for developing cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.”
But she says that could change quickly if new therapies now in clinical trials prove successful.
She says for now the medical advice remains the same regardless of test results. “Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and prioritize sleep and overall wellness.”
Future studies will follow more diverse populations over longer periods to confirm and refine the findings.
Author Affiliations: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
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